Design and the Decorative Arts: Britain 1500-1900 - Hardcover

This abundantly illustrated book offers a fascinating history of the evolution of British design over four centuries. Efforts by the Victoria & Albert Museum to clarify and substantiate the importance of decorative arts have culminated in the opening of its new British Galleries. Snodin (department of prints, drawings, and paintings, V&A) and Styles (head of postgraduate studies, V&A) have produced this accompanying catalog, the definitive work on the evolution of British design. Divided into three historical sections Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian the book deals with those objects that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the needs and tastes of the time, as well as the social and historical processes that took place in their creation. Covering every topic from the decorated halls of Hampton Court Palace to Wedgwood china to fashion magazines, this is, perhaps, the most complete resource in the field. Drawing upon the splendid design resources of the V&A, the authors have done a great service to the study of artistry and innovation of design. They also offer the reader an elegant look at the role of changing tastes and technology in the objects of everyday life. Highly recommended. Paula Frosch, Metropolitan Museum of Art Lib., New York

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